BearLeek
Restaurant · Five Points ·

BearLeek

Restaurant · Five Points ·

Globally inspired mashup menu in cyberpunk setting

french onion tartlet
bread and butter
burrata
tuna crudo
pierogi
fried chicken
cocktails
happy hour
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null
BearLeek by null

Information

2611 Walnut St, Denver, CO 80205 Get directions

$50–100

Restroom
Popular for dinner
Trendy
Family friendly
Good for solo dining

Information

Static Map

2611 Walnut St, Denver, CO 80205 Get directions

+1 303 524 2447
bearleek.com

$50–100

Features

•Restroom
•Accepts reservations
•Popular for dinner
•Trendy
•Family friendly
•Good for solo dining
•Touristy
•Vegetarian options

Last updated

Jan 16, 2026

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Bear Leek - Review - Rino - Denver - The Infatuation

"Forget looking for a sign. A gummy bear guarding the glass door is the only clue you’re in the right place. And by “right place” we mean an underground, Tron-esque neon and black space that serves multiple foods shaped like gummy bears. (Seriously, there are gummy bear-shaped butters and passion fruit cream pops, plus housemade candies that come with the check. It’s nice to have a thing, we guess?) Maybe surprisingly, the candy-coated cyberpunk vibe works, especially with the smoky/tart mezcal El Oso cocktail in hand. Bear Leek describes its menu as “globally inspired,” and the result feels a bit like being in a group chat where everyone is texting you dinner recommendations at the same time and you say yes to all of them. From koji-brined, green Sichuan-kissed fried chicken to tuna crudo over whipped labneh to the fanciest pierogi you’ll ever eat, the mashup menu creates a sort of UN dinner party that, like all those bears, somehow works." - Allyson Reedy

https://www.theinfatuation.com/denver/reviews/bear-leek
BearLeek

Katie G.

Google
The brioche buns were phenomenal, a great way to start off the meal. all waiters were so helpful and top tier service with our waters always refilled. Crude was so refreshing and the sauce was so tasty alongside the turnips too. The vibe was very welcoming and I enjoyed the lighting alongside the open kitchen concept. The fried chicken had a mix of peppercorn and was flavorful but not too greasy. Tres leches and the pear dessert were a great way to top off the meal. The plating of all dishes were delicious. Definitely worth to visit and I will be returning!!!

Ryan A

Google
Great food in a vibey spot! Everything we tried was good. Lots of diversity and great options for the gluten free people too. Stand outs for us were the Rosti, happy hour beef skewer, and fried chicken, but everything was in some stand out.

Tory J.

Google
BearLeek definitely exceeded my expectations! I had seen some reviews and hype online, but it's hard to know these days if it's just trendy or actually good food. I went for an early birthday dinner with some friends and did a bunch of shared plates. The all day Monday happy hour was a pleasant surprise and we all enjoyed our drinks. One friend is totally GF and we were able to still find plenty of options to share which was nice. The brisket skewers were incredible as was the Happy Hour cabbage. I enjoyed the meal so much I returned on my actual birthday with my partner and family to introduce them and selfishly so I could try the items that do have gluten in them. Both times we've had an error with ordering but our server was quick to correct the mistakes. It's a smidge loud being a windowless basement so it's fair that there may be some occasional miscommunications, and I do not mind that at all when service is friendly with correcting the mistake. I ordered the Potato Middie both times and realized it had switched from a scallop like pate to a rosti. While the rosti was good, the 'scallops' were better in my opinion. The server explained that it was for making sure it was standardized and high quality every time because the original had been more difficult to assure high quality with (I think this was the gist of it) which is fair. I like that the staff regularly wipes down the table. I had to try the Bear Pop for dessert because it's so weird and unique and I loved it both times! It's been a while since I've been to a new restaurant that feels actually new and different without sacrificing the food quality. I'll definitely be back. Thanks for 2 great birthday dinners BearLeek!

Victoria C.

Google
The food here is fabulous!! Got to try so many things tonight with my friends. Definitely a weird experience first walking in as we were told we would have to leave our table within an hour because we didn’t make reservations and they were pretty stern about it (the hostess) But we ended up having another hour at the table. I wish I wasn’t so stressed about timing though! I would’ve been able to enjoy my meal more but oh well.. Here are my thoughts: I would absolutely go back and get everything again except the Tres leches And cabbage. Not that they werent good but everything else was exceptional ! You have to get the burger, mushrooms, bread & butter, and French onion tartlet. I am literally going to dream about the French onion tartlet tonight. The brisket skewer & potato rosti were also super delicious.

Marco L.

Google
What I really appreciated about Bear Leek was that the staff had a deep love of food and service without any pretentiousness. The quality of the hospitality was exceptional and the food quite good. I had the sense that the whole team was industry professionals running a restaurant in a way that they would want it run. I had questions and concerns about a black garlic old fashioned which I thought would ruin the nuance of the drink, but the bartender assured me otherwise. The old fashioned had nuance and was reasonably good. The bar menu had the best value to price options. The eggplant pakoras, tomato dish and the beef skewers were well done. We also had the radishes, halibut Ratatouille, milk, bread and butter. Every dish was well presented and well cooked. For dessert, we had the lemon poppy cake which was a bit dry but passable. The ambiance is hip but dark in a basement with black walls. It was well attended and seemed like many young people out on date night. For a Tuesday night, it was bustling. Overall, thoroughly enjoyable and we will return again.

Joseph A.

Google
Small, but mighty is how I've viewed this place since I saw the menu online. I'm glad to see a good restaurant take over the unique space that Osaka Ramen left behind. They did a great job utilizing the layout so the tables didn't feel claustrophobic, although the bathroom hallway does feel like a liminal space. The lighting is cozy without needing a flashlight to read the menus. Happy hour all night Mondays is a great deal on a day where so many places are closed. We got the beef skewers, mushrooms, and cabbage from the happy hour; all 3 ended up being delicious, especially the tenderness of the beef. The burger for $16 looked amazing at a neighboring table and would be a hefty little meal on its own. The milk bread and bear butter were both delicious and fluffy. The tartare had a tasty creme on top and the house chips were a good vessel. The pierogis were a new fall dish on the menu and utilized the squash well. They also had a squash cocktail that was creamy and just the perfect amount of sweet. The chicken had a great crust that was very satisfying to chew and the meat was deliciously tender. We finished with the panna cotta and bear ice cream bar, both good palate cleansing choices. The panna cotta had a thick creaminess to it that felt like a fun take on the original. The bear ice cream bar was a nice salty-sweet, fruity-savory combo. They also do a seasonal limoncello that pairs well with dessert. We got 6 drinks in total, and all 3 of us were full by the end for about $75 per person after tip. We felt it was worth the price and enjoyed the experience.

Natalia P.

Google
The dinner started strong with their homemade brioche that were some of the best we’ve ever had. I’m Polish so their version of pierogi was a bit offensive. The dough was way too thick and heavy, and the filling too dense. They should be taken off the menu until the kitchen figures out how to make them correctly, or just don’t call that dish pierogi. The fried chicken was very tasty but their lamb was the star of the show! The meat was literally falling off the bone. Overall we had a tasty dinner and even though there is room for improvement I’m looking forward to trying their other dishes.

John M.

Google
Our group of nine had dinner here last night, and everything—from the food to the service—was incredible. The pre-fixe menu was a great value for the quality and creativity of each dish. We enjoyed standout plates like the sweetbreads with Fresno plum sauce and blue cheese, tartare with coconut “Leche de Oso” and Mayu chili oil, burrata with BearLeek chili crunch, hamachi crudo with ajo blanco and pickled peaches, beets with labneh and za’taar vinaigrette, pierogi with squash velouté, grilled cabbage with koji breadcrumbs, lamb shank with parsnip and pita, and fried chicken with orange beurre blanc and green Sichuan oil. Dessert was a showstopper too: a big Bear popsicle, panna cotta, and tres leches. Huge thanks to Andrew for the outstanding service and to Carlos for helping us pick the perfect wine. BearLeek is a must-visit in RiNo, with inventive dishes, great vibes, and true hospitality all around.
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Sierra S.

Yelp
Not a bad item on the menu. From start to finish every dish was delicious and decently portioned - enough to satiate not necessarily enough for leftovers. The kitchen did a nice job at pacing the courses so we were able to try so many dishes without feeling stuffed right away. If they're on the menu, the Honey Roasted Turnips and Potato Rösti were my favorites! It felt like every staff member paid us a visit over the course of the night, we were incredibly well cared for during our time there. My only commentary is the noise volume. We were here for dinner at 7:30 on a Friday night, so the restaurant was full. Unfortunately, it was so loud I felt like I was yelling across the table. I kept leaning in to try and hear better but of course that's difficult when there's food on the table.
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Jessica A.

Yelp
I had high hopes for this place as reviews were raving and I thought it was decent, but nothing we got was mind blowing--except the burrata dish. The flavors in that were unlike anything I've ever had! You can't go wrong with the bread and butter either. We had the pierogies which were pretty basic and somewhat cold, along with the hamachi crudo which was just ok. The fish didn't really do it for me (and trust me I love a good tuna sashimi) and the sauce wasn't as flavorful as I was hoping. We also had the tartare and it wasn't anything I'd get again. They served it with potato chips, but they only give you a small handful. The wine and service were awesome, they were attentive and friendly and it felt very professional. I've been to this place before when it was ramen and the lighting felt like a cafeteria, so it is much better now. I've heard so many good things, so I want to go back and try other items on the menu, but overall my experience was mediocre for the price.
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Shin M.

Yelp
Note you have to walk down steep stairs to enter this basement level resetaurant. My partner booked reservations ahead of time and read all the rave about this place; however, it unfortunately did not deliver. Service was good. Debatably too attentive. They refilled our water super frequently which kept interrupting our convos. I think in order to avoid that, just leave a jug of water on the table for us to refill ourselves. Bread and butter: Hot fresh brioche rolls with honey butter in the shape of a gummy bear. It was good but reminded me of Texas Roadhouse ones with cinnamon butter and those are free. Def not worth the $11 Burrata: This was a different take on burrata with hot chili oil. Not bad. More burrata than crackers provided. French Onion Tartlet: Overhyped, this was my least favorite. Flavors didn't mesh well together for me. Piergo: 4 pierogies. This was just OK. Nothing special. Hamachi Crudo: 4 pieces. Nothing special. Def not worth $20. Overall, we were super excited to come here but left disappointed. Didn't see what all the hype was about.
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Katie T.

Yelp
Everything at BearLeek from the food, ambiance, and service is on point. I love how intimate and alternative and the vibes of the restaurant are. It's perfect for date night or a fun night out with friends. The open kitchen concept is very neat as you can see your food be prepared right before your eyes. Now for the food: you can tell there is so much intention and thought behind each menu item. Each dish I had was delicious and innovative. It was familiar yet had a unique twist on it. Everything not only tasted delicious but also was beautifully presented. I believe they have a rotating menu which ensures there is always something new based on the availability of ingredients and the creativity of the chefs. The Bread and ButterBear tasted like the best version of sweet brioche hawaiian rolls. And the bear shaped butter is absolutely adorable. The cracker that came with the burrata was so crispy and thin and seasoned well with strong fennel notes. It paired perfectly with the creamy burrata and spicy chili crisp. The pierogi was creamy and rich from the potato filling and squash sauce but the sweetness from the chestnut conserva perfectly cuts through each bite. I'm from out of state but already know this will be on my list of places to return to when I'm back in the area.
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Inga W.

Yelp
Great addition to the Denver food scene and RiNo. It's a little grungy, underground, cool theme kinda place. The service was great and the food definitely foodie worthy. We had seats at the bar, which were very comfortable, we didn't sit directly in front of the kitchen but could see it. Food: Turnips- were a really nice fall dish, great flavor and beautiful plating. Bread and butter-the butter was excellent, I wanted to take it home. I'm not one for brioche, I prefer a great sourdough, but my husband loved it. The Pierogi-first of all, this is not a pierogi, it's a "pelmeni" and any Eastern European would know this. It was a great dish, it used the traditional flavors and elevated them and gave it a nice spin. Lamb Shank- was delicious, falling off the bone, fat was gone and it was just tender meat. The way it was served was great too, the pita was a nice touch. I ended up getting two glasses of Nebbiolo, and without my glasses I thought it was $18/glass not $28 which frankly was overpriced for what it was. Overall, we loved the atmosphere and the passion and skill they put into the food. I hope they change up their menu so we can try more dishes.
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Matthew M.

Yelp
Tucked away in a dimly lit basement is where you'll find this new addition to the Denver food scene. My partner and i sat at the chefs counter as we normally do for any new restaurants we try. It was close to closing (2 hours prior) so it seemed like service was tapering off and the vibe of the restaurant reflected that. The food was delicious. Almost all of the dishes were able to accommodate my partner's allergies (crustaceans & nuts) which is a huge plus. The frier is also kept gluten free for all those who have celiac allergies. Everything we got was amazing. All of the flavors really came together in good way without being overly complicated. Our favorites of the night were the tuna crudo and the tomato melon salad. That salad was possibly one of the best i've ever had. The only dish i could critique would be the liver mousse tartlet. While the flavors were good, the texture of the hard shell and the smooth mousse were constantly fighting for dominance on my pallet. I think this dish would be better on that amazing milk bread they make in house but that's just my opinion! If you haven't checked it out yet this place is worth your time and money.
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Lianna B.

Yelp
Went here to celebrate my birthday and really enjoyed my meal. It's mostly shared plates with 3 "entree" options but all meant for sharing. 4-5 small plates for 2 people was plenty. My favorites were the French onion tartlet (so cheesy and full of caramelized onions in a perfect tart) followed by the tuna crudo (it's smoked and was on a bed of labneh and greens)!and pierogi (I was skeptical about fancy pierogis but they were delicious with truffle butter). The bread and butter as good if you like your carbs but otherwise I say skip this one so you have room for the more unique dishes. Tomato and Melon in Bear Cham was good but didn't wow me as much as I had anticipated. There's also a separate bar menu if you sit at the bar, though you can still have the regular menu too. Service was great with food coming out in stages rather than at once and coming to refill your water glass frequently. They don't clear plates in between courses unless asked but I don't think they're going for that vibe. It's located in a basement (formally Osaka ramen) and it's dark with blue lights. Staff were all friendly and informative. The hostess Nelly was the sweetest and wished me a happy birthday but otherwise they didn't do anything special for my birthday (I always appreciate a place that does a free dessert or drinks) Parking: it's RiNO so plan accordingly but apparently they're working on validating parking from a nearby lot
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ViVi S.

Yelp
Just recently opened in RiNo, this is going to be a hit. Sexy vibes. Incredible food. Fantastic service. Canoodling space galore. Why aren't you here yet?!?!!!?? Bookmarked this for our date night and it did not disappoint. You'll almost miss it since it's got a discreet logo of the bear on the door deceptively tucked between other ho hum shops. Like any spot in RiNo, you'll have a park and jaunt over. Hey best way to work up appetite and work off the carbs end of night. Plenty of seating but make reservations since it's going to be a hot spot. We sat at the bar and always my type of seating. Brendan was attentive, knowledgeable and efficient. All the staff is very sweet and welcoming. Someone is always checking on you like a wonderful host. Love seeing the open kitchen and they turn food very quickly to ensure you aren't hangry. Cocktails, cocktails and more craft cocktails. I decided on Pretty Fly for a Chai Guy. Now I wouldn't have chai or whiskey any other way after this. I will have the Tropic Thunder next time for a more sweet take. Simple menu that offers quite the tasteful delights. Next time I am having the brioche bread. The chicken liver tart is yummy; the surprising tartness of cherry mixed with the savory pate is refreshing and addictive to not share. The sharing plates are generous. We couldn't believe our eyes on the chicken entree but I'm a carnivore. Naturally my favorite was the steak and cooked medium rare. While the special was a take on the traditional root beer float with Mexican beer, I couldn't resist the peach pavlova. THAT is killer. Well next to the homemade in house apricot gummy bear. The next best thing is to serve it frozen during the summer heat. Trust me... game changer. You're welcome. One star shy because the acoustics in here can be much. Not sure if the group next to us was inebriatedly loud or just the walls echoing. Forced me to whisper into the babe's ear and I had to do it often. Thanks BearLeek. Since I believe this used to be an underground ramen spot, I can see why the combination of neon lights, dark walls and being under can give someone vertigo. However, ironically one of the best music play list at any spot I've been to so far here in Denver outside of a hip club or EDM rave. I'll be back to see what else they come up with as well as to introduce my friends to a new spot. Bear Leek makes it seem like your own little world and but you don't need a wristband to get in here to be in it.
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Cesar H.

Yelp
A bear and a leek walk into a basement... and somehow Denver got one of its hottest new restaurants. BearLeek in RiNo is a total vibe, and I'm already planning my next visit. The food was fantastic overall. The tartare was easily one of the best I've ever had -- bold flavor and served with incredible fluffy bread. Speaking of bread, the Bread & ButterBear was such a fun, whimsical touch, and those rolls? Absolute fire. Other highlights for me were the burrata, tuna crudo, and pavlova. Drinks were just as impressive. The cocktails are balanced, complex, and beautifully made, and the wine list pairs perfectly with the menu. Add in a lively, moody atmosphere and welcoming service, and it's the kind of spot that works for date night, a friends' night out, or anything in between. The only miss for me was the fried chicken, which leaned a little dry (though the skin was flavorful). But even with that, the overall experience was excellent, and I'll absolutely be back -- especially to try their happy hour burger.
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John V.

Yelp
Bear Leek: Chef Cred, Authentic Energy, and a Charred Radish Dish Worth Booking For TL;DR Promising new spot with a chef worth following. Some dishes still finding their way, but great service, lively vibe, and enough potential to make me want to return. Open just a week, Bear Leek already has buzz thanks to a chef with serious street cred and the main reason we booked on a recent Friday. The creativity is there, but some dishes felt heavy, with purées and sauces that muted flavors rather than showcasing the main ingredients. The burrata was creamy but lacked the heat which we anticipated from the BearLeek chili crunch, and the pine nuts tasted a bit past their prime. The pierogi filling was a bit grainy and had no chive flavor. The pierogi were buried under radishes that were covered by the oily charred leek butter. The tuna crudo was fresh and the peas were a bright addition, but the individual components never came together. The clear winner for me was the charred radish. It was spiky and was paired with a whipped chickpea miso that was light and cloudlike. Service was a highlight, friendly and genuinely authentic. The chef stopped by to swap stories on our favorite Denver dining spots, and one server recognized us from another restaurant, which was a warm, personal touch. The space itself is dark and industrial with trendy lighting, perfectly suited to the restaurant's subterranean setting. We'll be back because I'm curious to see how the menu evolves. From the menu: Burrata (BearLeek chili crunch, pine nuts, fennel sesame lovage) Pierogi (chive potato filling, radish, lemon, charred leek butter) Tuna Crudo (labneh, peas, lemon mint vinaigrette, sesame ponzu) Charred Radish (lemon vinaigrette, whipped chickpea miso)
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Sam W.

Yelp
Take all my money! BearLeek is now up there for my favs in Denver from their friendly and interactive service at the chefs counter, to the unique array of food options to the all around good vibes. All of our food was amazing and it even accommodated to my wife's dairy intolerance without any issues. This usually means the food will be missing something but dairy was just a bonus for me in this case. Oh another thing is I have never been somewhere that completely transforms fruit and vegetables the way this place does! The melon salad was incredible! My only complaint is having to walk up Those stairs after that massive meal but honestly it was probably needed after we practically inhaled all of that food
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Max G.

Yelp
Four of us went to dinner at Bear Leek. The food and service were excellent. We enjoyed: --Spicy fresh tomato and melon: unusual dish, excellent flavor --French onion tart: Superb --Halibut and ratatouille: Perfectly cooked. Great flavors. --Fried chicken: Wonderful seasonings. Moist and tender. --Tres leches cake: Very good The entrance to the restaurant is at street level, then you descend stairs into a long, narrow room. The room is well lit and depending upon where you sit, you can see the open kitchen.
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Cassel M.

Yelp
We really enjoyed our anniversary here! The food was creative and tasty! I thought the chicken was a little overpriced for chicken but overall we liked it and would go back.
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Joanna A.

Yelp
Came here for a birthday dinner. Everything was unique, delicious, memorable. Only downside - host was also our server. She was lovely. Just wished it was staffed separately. Prices are fair.
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Avery G.

Yelp
We had an incredible meal last night celebrating our last year of dating and one year till our wedding! I love getting to watch food being prepared and the dance of chefs in a kitchen, so the Chefs counter was a no brainer when booking. We were lucky to be served by Andrew who did an exceptional job on checking in on us all while plating and manning his station. There were just two of us and the amount we ordered left us satisfied but not overally full. The dishes were coursed out and we were there for about two hours. Chicken liver tart (we could eat the mousse by the spoonful) Beef tartare served with toast which was a lovely addition in comparison to the traditional cracker with tartare Tomato and melon salad that I might dream about. It was a mix of sweet, salty, hint of spice from the jalepeno slice. It's amazing. Perogies!! They were delicate and buttery seriously devoured within a few short minutes. Fried chicken was the winner for me. I have never had a crust on fried chicken like we had last night. The mix of gluten free flours encapsulated the chicken so well that it was incredibly moist inside. The fennel salad below was tangy cutting through richness of the chicken. We finished with the pavlova. It was good but not our favorite. The ice cream below was a little too frozen so it was a little hard to eat. I'm a sucker for sweet and salty but the amount of flaked salt on it maybe over poured the taste of peach. Overall, we will be back forsure. The atmosphere, food and service were memorable.
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Kristen B.

Yelp
We had a wonderful time for date night on Halloween. Sat at chefs counter, which got a little toasty at times, but it was still very fun to watch the process. Music went from Khruangbin to 2000s rap, which we loved, True to the Denver vibe. We ordered the brisket skewers from the happy hour menu. I got a St. Germaine, Tito's, soda and lemon which was made perfectly. We added the hamachi crudo, wagyu tartare, burrata, and beets. It was all delicious. Will be back- and next time I will get an entree!
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Sara W.

Yelp
We joined friends here for our monthly dinner outing, and wow - BearLeek absolutely delivered. From the moment we sat down, the vibe, the service, and the food were all perfectly in sync. We told our waitress to take us on the ideal food journey, and she nailed it. Every course built beautifully on the last - thoughtful, flavorful, and full of surprises. We started with the French Onion Tartlet, a flaky, caramelized bite of heaven - rich, comforting, and perfectly balanced. The Hamachi Crudo was next - bright, delicate, and fresh, a total contrast that worked so well. The Wedge Salad somehow managed to make a classic feel new again - crisp, creamy, and deeply satisfying. Then came the Pierogi - pure comfort with a gourmet twist. But the Burger... that's where BearLeek truly flexes. This isn't your average burger - it's a masterpiece. Perfectly cooked, layered with unexpected flavor and texture, and honestly worthy of its own cult following. (Seriously, look it up - there's a reason people are talking about it.) Every plate felt intentional, every bite memorable. The atmosphere was relaxed but refined, and the staff made the night feel effortless. BearLeek is one of those rare spots that makes you rethink what dining out can be - approachable, elevated, and just darn good. Denver, this one's a gem. They are young, so let's so them some love so they are around for a long time.
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Jenna C.

Yelp
One of the best meals we've had in Denver. There were two of us, and we shared three small plates, one entrée, a dessert, and four drinks. The total was just under $200, though we could have easily spent less. Everything we tried is shown in the photos, but the standout for me was the burrata, while my husband's favorite was the pierogies. The restaurant is on the smaller side, so making a reservation is a good idea. The staff were especially friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share their own recommendations. Overall, it was a memorable dining experience and absolutely worth a visit.

Oyuky R.

Yelp
I rarely write glowing reviews, but this establishment and its incredible staff deserve serious recognition. Every single item I tasted made my mouth water--this menu is a series of surprises, where each ingredient is intentional and perfectly balanced. It's clear the kitchen is run by people who care deeply about flavor, creativity, and presentation. The atmosphere transported me straight back to San Francisco--dark, intimate, and full of edge. I loved the neon lights and graffiti touches, which gave it a bold, urban character. That said, it wasn't so dim that I couldn't read my menu or see the stunning plates being served. I've sat both in the main dining room and at the chef's counter--both excellent choices, each offering a different but equally memorable experience. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just someone who appreciates a thoughtful, well-executed meal, this place will leave you impressed.

Cj K.

Yelp
Phenomenal service but underwhelming food. Fried chicken tasted like orange due to the overbearing / over-seasoned citrus. Batter had way too much flour to the point that the chicken felt like it had a layer of mochi around it.

Ivy D.

Yelp
So happy this spot opened up in RiNo--such a great upgrade from Osaka Ramen. The ambience is sleek and elevated, and the cocktails are amazing. We loved the milk punch (Rummin all over the world), Garden Grove, and the complimentary melon bearcello was a standout. The tuna crudo and tomato & melon in bear cham were both super fresh and flavorful. Also loved the Bear Pop--a fun, ice cream-style treat. Carlos took great care of us at the bar, and I'm excited they're launching a 4-5pm happy hour. I'm picky, but I'll definitely be back regularly!

Honest M.

Yelp
Just truly mediocre - my guess is that most of the great reviews come from family and friends. Drinks are blah - food is tasteless - these guys have worked in good joints and you think they would know how to put on a good spread - but no. If these guys don''t get it together they won't be around very long - friendly bartender -

Anthony R.

Yelp
Bear Leek is an incredible new addition to Denver's dining scene. The vibe is spot on - cool lighting, great energy, and a team that makes you feel right at home. We sat at the chef's counter, which made the experience even more memorable. Chatting with the chefs (shoutout to Chef Andrew!) about their backgrounds and dishes added a personal touch that set the night apart. The Black Garlic Old Fashioned touched every tastebud on my tongue. Starting with the rolls with bear shaped charred leek butter is a must. Their take on the wedge salad was perfectly constructed so every bite was layered just right. The star of the night though was the French Onion Tart, which basically tastes like french onion soup meets a blooming onion. The fried chicken was also delicious: light, flavorful, and not overly breaded. We were too full for dessert, but the final touch of two gummy bears with the check was a nice, playful nod to their name - the perfect end to a fantastic meal. Bear Leek is creative, welcoming, and already feels like a Denver must-try. Can't wait to go back!
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Gio G.

Yelp
Service is spectacular. The host was amazing! Interesting new spot. The bread is delicious and the butter tastes amazing. They were out of a few dishes which made our meal a bit challenging in terms of coursing out. Perogies were great - main issue is it's the same butter as the bread. Chicken liver was good as expected and the steak tartar was good. The same micro greens were repeated in two of the dishes. The burrata was subpar. It was incredibly salty and on top of that the crackers were salted. All in all - good key dishes but several similar flavors which hindered the over flavor. experience. Otherwise great attention to details! I'll visit again when the menu is more rounded out.
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Zachariah S.

Yelp
BearLeek is hands down the most complete culinary experience in all of Denver. Every dish we had was phenomenal. We started with the Chicken Liver Tart and the Burrata (paired with chili oil), both were delicious. The we had the charred radish and the tuna crudo. The Tuna Crudo was, without doubt, the best dish my wife and I have ever eaten in Denver. The fresh fish on top of the labneh was made even better with the lemon mint vinaigrette. The French Onion Tartlet and the Pierogis were both amazing. Our dinner finished with the Halibut and Ratatouille, where the fish was perfectly cooked. You cannot leave without first trying whatever flavor of Bear-Cello they are serving. The service is unparalleled, especially at the Chef's Counter, which gives you a first person perspective of your dish's preparation and an opportunity to chat with the chef's themselves. Carlos runs the bar, and is the best man in the business. Go to BearLeek and you will not be disappointed.

Helen B.

Yelp
I LOVED my meal at BearLeek. Absolutely everything was delicious. Cannot say enough about it. Service was terrific, portions were great, prices were right. Highly recommend the bread and butter (airy and with a hint of sweetness), burrata (nice use of chili crisp and lavash) radishes (wow), tomato and melon in bear cham (surprisingly one of my top dishes), onion tartlet (omg so good), and the pierogies (my least favorite of all the dishes, but had I not had them, I would have given it a 10 and very hearty). Everything tastes great with the chenin blanc!

John S.

Yelp
Great food. Great service. Really enjoyed this on all fronts. Best wishes to the whole team! Halibut and heirloom tomatoes were standouts for sure